sec 1 geog unit 4 lesson 4

Chong Boon Secondary Geography Department

Sec 1 GeographyUnit 4 Lesson 4

Water Supply: Causes of water shortage

Thinking questions

•What causes water shortage? What are the big uses of water?

Lesson Objectives

• In this lesson, you will–Identify the reasons for global

water shortage.

Factors that cause water shortage• There are two main categories of

factors–Demand Factors• Factors that lead to man seeking more

water.–Supply Factors• Factors that affect the availability of

water to meet the demands by man.

Population Growth

Demand Factors

• Population Growth– As global population increases, the total amount

of water demanded increases.– Global Population has increased from 1.6 billion in

1900 to 3.1 billion in 1960 and to 7 billion in 2014.– Most of the population increase is in Less

Developed Countries (LDCs)– These are where there is also the largest water

shortage.

Affluence

Demand Factors• Affluence–Having wealth and being able to live

comfortably.–Developed countries tend to be affluent.–Affluent countries consume more water due to

the lifestyle of the people there. –With more money, people consume goods that

are produced using more water and live a lifestyle that consumes more water.

Seasonal Rain

Supply Factor• Seasonal rainfall–Countries with variation in rainfall will face

water supply issues. –Seasonal rains (monsoons) bring large

rainfall in small pockets of the year. –Seasonal rains also lead to dry seasons

where there is minimal rain.–Singapore does not have such problems.

Climate Change

Global Climate Change• Global climate change will result in

change in seasonal rain.• Intensity and timing of seasonal rains

are affected by global climate change.• With Global warming, some areas

have less water while others suffer floods.

Water Pollution

Supply Factors

• Water Pollution–Pollution is the introduction of substances

into the natural environment (air, water, land).–With pollution, water quality will drop. If it

becomes unusable for humans, total water source will be reduced.

The Ganges River

• Largest river in India• Used by over 400 million people• Used for drinking, bathing and

irrigation, spiritual significance.• Industrial waste dumpsite.

The Ganges River

Summary

Are you now able to

• Identify the factors that affect demand and supply for water?

Let’s do a summary exercise